on July 7, 2011
Psalm 119:1-8 – Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
It is an awesome thing to witness the lives of those who walk so closely with the Lord that no fault may be found in them. It is rare and wonderful, and you have to bless those who earnestly pursue the things of God and who cannot be blamed for doing anything wrong. Oh that everyone lived like this! In fact, that’s why God has established his code of conduct – He intends for it to be fully applied in each life. That is exactly what the Psalmist aspires to do and be, as he honestly acknowledges he’s still a work in progress. We would all do well to confess that God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts – but they should be, and they must be aligned with God’s if we would truly be righteous. If only we were at that place where we consistently obeyed God’s decrees and commands when we are put to the test. Then we could stand with surety and confidence before the just requirements and expectations of God.
The truth is that sanctification is also a process. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be sanctified by the truth. As we learn God’s truths, His principles, His righteous laws and precepts, we have to acknowledge that they are truly perfect and praiseworthy. Our problem is that they are not yet fully our own. Along with the Psalmist, we too can perfect the praise of an upright heart as we gain understanding and knowledge of God’s righteous laws. In the meantime, we need grace and mercy, along with a willing heart to obey His decrees. Until we are wholly sanctified by His Truth, we need to join with the Psalmist in pleading, “do not utterly forsake me,” while we sincerely and earnestly embrace God’s ways and thoughts!
Thursday:
- Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team.
Friday:
- Give thanks for the revelation of God in His holy Word. Consider how His laws, His statutes and His precepts reflect the glory and majesty that is His nature. Ponder His plan in creation and redemption to include us in His glory!
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Ben & Jen Martin (Emma, Grace, Benjie, Callie), Barr & Sharon Miesch, Laura Mohr (Ashley)
Saturday:
- Thank God for those who walk in His ways and live according to His precepts. Pray for their continued passion for God’s righteousness and for their faithfulness to His Truth.
Sunday:
- Pray that believers will be steadfast in God’s Word that we might continue to experience its transforming power.
- Join in with our Sunday prayer services to pray for God’s presence and blessing.
Monday:
- Pray that God will sanctify us by the Truth – the commands, the promises, precepts of God revealed in His Word.
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Pray for a revival of God’s Word in our nation that will produce upright hearts and praise to God!
Wednesday:
- Pray that all believers may be willing and eager to obey what God clearly communicates in the Scriptures. Give thanks for God’s patience and faithfulness while obedience is being perfected in our lives.
Prayer Challenge: Pray that God will grant every believer: a passionate devotion to His Word, a humble recognition that we have much room for growth and improvement, His corrective discipline – that may be painful but produces good fruit, a steadfast courage and strength to endure the arrogance, hostility, ridicule and slander of those who disregard the beauty and authority of God’s Word.